Where did we get this fashion rule?
It's a fashion rule that has been debated and broken for decades: the idea that you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day. While modern style dictates that you can wear any color you like, this old-school guideline has a fascinating history rooted in class, seasonal change, and social etiquette.
A Rule Rooted in High Society
The tradition is widely believed to have originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among the elite class. During this time, wealthy Americans would spend their summers at coastal resorts and country clubs, wearing lightweight, white clothing. White linen suits, dresses, and shoes were seen as appropriate for the hot weather and leisurely activities of summer.
After Labor Day, which unofficially marked the end of the summer vacation season, these socialites would return to the city. Their summer wardrobes were packed away, and they would switch to more formal, dark, and heavier fabrics like wool and tweed, more suitable for fall and winter. The practice of packing away white clothing became a subtle way for the upper class to signal that they were back in the city and adhering to the seasonal calendar.
The Rise of the Fashion Rule
Over time, this seasonal clothing change became a rigid social rule. Those who didn't follow the custom were seen as uncultured or unfashionable, as if they didn't know the proper social codes. It was a way for those "in the know" to distinguish themselves from those who were not. The rule was passed down through fashion magazines and etiquette guides, solidifying its place as a strict fashion "law" for much of the 20th century.
Breaking the Rule
Today, the "no white after Labor Day" rule is largely considered an outdated tradition. Modern fashion embraces a more fluid, year-round approach to color and style. Designers and fashion icons regularly wear white year-round, proving that a crisp white blazer or a cozy ivory sweater can look just as chic in December as it does in July. The rule has become a conversation starter more than a fashion commandment.
While you're free to wear whatever you want, understanding the origin of this classic fashion faux pas offers a glimpse into a very different era of social customs and style.
Keeping Your Whites Bright
If you wear white after Labor Day, know that Speedy Fresh Laundromat is your pal in keeping your outfits and linens looking bright and clean. Our wash and fold service is happy to sort out the whites and apply cleansings agents or bleach to ensure they look their cleanest. Better yet, we can come by and pick up your laundry, too, as our laundry collection service is ready to do the heavy lifting.
Join The Discussion!